ASSESSMENT BRIEF

Department of Performing and Screen Arts

Bachelor in Performing and

Screen Arts
Course No. Course Name Semester Year
PASA6272 Camera 2b 2 2009
Lecturer (s) Course Co-ordinator
Dan Wagner, Alan Locke Dan Wagner
Marker(s) Moderator(s)
Dan Wagner, Alan Locke Glenn Thomas
Assignment No. & Title Course grade % Due Date Return Date
2 Case Study - DoP 30% st
21 September 19th October

Learning Outcomes
2. Explore the aesthetic contribution of camera/lighting in filmmaking.

Description:
Examine the work of a major cinematographer (someone who has shot no less than 10
feature films) in a 1000-1200 word essay.

Marking Criteria:

1. Identify a cinematographer, detail the years s/he was/is active (e.g. 1938-1958 or
1975-present) and list the significant films in his/her body of work. (5%)
2. Choosing 2 films from the list (in #1), explore the overall stylistic approaches employed
in the cinematography of each. (Using descriptions such as “tightly enclosed spaces punctuated by wide,
sweeping vistas” or “richly textured” or “frenetic movement” – this criterion calls for more general exposition.) (12%)

3. Compare and contrast the photographic approaches and methods employed in each of
the films. (This involves slightly more specific explanation, such as “Although both films had dream sequences,
one featured softly lit warm tones whilst the other had a colder, edgier look.”) (13%)

4. From each film, dissect a selected scene or sequence which exemplifies these
photographic approaches and methods. (Break it down and analyse it for the choices made in relation to
lighting, lens use and camera proximity, camera movement, framing and composition, etc.). (10%)

5. Explain the surrounding conditions of each of the 2 films (Director, year produced, where shot,
independent or studio, etc.) and describe the technological capabilities/limitations of the time which
may have affected how the styles were executed (such as huge, blimped cameras; arc lights only;
steadicam’s infancy, only small and very loud cameras, slower film stocks, studio system access to topflight scenic
resources, etc.). (15%)

6. Apply research undertaken in this assignment to describe your own intended practices
as a DOP. (Summarise what you’ve learned about Cinematography from having scrutinised this person’s work
and from having researched this assignment, THEN describe how you might apply that learning to your own work
as a DOP). (15%)

7. For each of the above sections, include specific references from the films you are
exploring. (This is the Film Title and time in – HH:MM:SS – on the DVD) (10%)
8. Include frame-grabs from the 2 films to illustrate the points you are conveying. (10%)
9. Present a well-written, compelling and clearly-argued essay. (10%)

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